Sharp plans to launch a new online content service and two tablet devices, but it is positioning their tablets as e-readers rather than going head to head with tablets, and the Galapagos service and tablets will only be available in Japan, at least initially. Other markets, including the U.S., could see this during the first half of 2011.
According to the SHARP press release, two models of the e-book readers have been developed. A mobile type featuring a 5.5-inch LCD screen that reads like a paperback book, and a home type featuring a 10.8-inch high-resolution HD LCD that allows users to enjoy magazines formatted across a two-page spread. The smaller version has a trackball, while the larger has a left/right click button that functions as a back and home button. Both devices will be available in red, silver and black.
While Sharp considers them e-readers, the tablets use the Android mobile OS, have color displays, and will have Web browsing and social networking capabilities. The e-bookstore GALAPAGOS will feature some 30,000 books at launch, while Sharp plans to expand content to movies, music and games next year. A report from Mashable claims that Sharp is negotiating with VERIZON as a potential US distributor for the Galapagos tablets.
NOTED SPECS:
5.5 inch version (1,024 × 600)
10.8 inch version (1,366 × 800)
Google Android 2.2
ASV LCD
3.5mm audio jack
microSD, microSDHC
TransFlash
mini-USB port
Bluetooth
WLAN
Accelerometer
Built-in battery
SOURCE: Sharp Announces Two Android-based Tablets for December
According to the SHARP press release, two models of the e-book readers have been developed. A mobile type featuring a 5.5-inch LCD screen that reads like a paperback book, and a home type featuring a 10.8-inch high-resolution HD LCD that allows users to enjoy magazines formatted across a two-page spread. The smaller version has a trackball, while the larger has a left/right click button that functions as a back and home button. Both devices will be available in red, silver and black.
While Sharp considers them e-readers, the tablets use the Android mobile OS, have color displays, and will have Web browsing and social networking capabilities. The e-bookstore GALAPAGOS will feature some 30,000 books at launch, while Sharp plans to expand content to movies, music and games next year. A report from Mashable claims that Sharp is negotiating with VERIZON as a potential US distributor for the Galapagos tablets.
NOTED SPECS:
5.5 inch version (1,024 × 600)
10.8 inch version (1,366 × 800)
Google Android 2.2
ASV LCD
3.5mm audio jack
microSD, microSDHC
TransFlash
mini-USB port
Bluetooth
WLAN
Accelerometer
Built-in battery
SOURCE: Sharp Announces Two Android-based Tablets for December